ASUS Prime B660M-A DDR4 Intel Motherboard

The ASUS Prime B660M-A DDR4 is a feature-packed motherboard designed to harness the power of Intel’s 12th Gen Core processors (LGA 1700 socket). It provides robust performance, excellent cooling options, and flexible customization for users building systems for both productivity and gaming. Here’s an overview of its key features and specifications:

Key Features:

1. Intel 12th Gen Processor Support:
   • Socket LGA1700: Supports 12th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold, and Celeron® processors.
   • Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 (depending on CPU).
2. Memory (RAM) Support:
   • 4x DIMM slots, supporting up to 128GB DDR4 memory.
   • Supports overclocked speeds: 5333(OC), 5000(OC), 4800(OC), 4600(OC), 4400(OC), 4266(OC), 4000(OC), and more.
   • Supports Non-ECC, Un-buffered memory for flexible configurations.
   • ASUS OptiMem II ensures optimal memory signal integrity for better overclocking.
3. Expansion Slots:
   • 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 slot (from CPU).
   • 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (supporting x4 and x1 modes from the B660 chipset).
   • Intel® Optane Memory H Series support on PCH-attached PCIe slots.
4. Graphics Support:
   • 1 x DisplayPort and 2 x HDMI® ports (supports up to 4K@60Hz resolution via DisplayPort and HDMI 2.1).
5. Storage:
   • 2 x M.2 slots:
     • M.2_1 (Key M) supports PCIe 4.0 x4 from CPU for fast NVMe SSDs.
     • M.2_2 (Key M) supports PCIe 4.0 x4 from B660 chipset for additional high-speed storage.
   • 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports for traditional HDD/SSD.
   • Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (SATA RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) and Intel® Optane Memory support for enhanced storage performance.
6. Cooling Solutions:
   • Multiple heatsinks: VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, and PCH heatsink.
   • Hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2+ for customizable cooling profiles.
   • Designed to handle the high power requirements and thermal demands of Intel’s high-core-count CPUs.
7. Connectivity:
   • Intel® 1Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard for robust and stable networking.
   • USB Ports:
     • Rear I/O includes 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and 4 x USB 2.0 Type-A ports.
     • Internal I/O includes 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers, 1 x USB Type-C® header, and 2 x USB 2.0 headers.
   • Wi-Fi support is not built-in, but can be added with a compatible adapter.
8. Audio:
   • Realtek ALC897 codec for 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio.
   • Audio features include Premium capacitors, Dedicated PCB layers, and Audio Shielding for cleaner, more stable sound.
9. RGB Customization:
   • AURA Sync with RGB headers and Addressable Gen 2 RGB headers for customizable lighting.
   • Comes with pre-configured AURA RGB header and AURA Addressable RGB header for integrated lighting.
10. BIOS and Tuning:
    • ASUS UEFI BIOS for easy configuration and system tuning.
    • EZ Mode for beginners and Advanced Mode for experts, providing complete control over performance tweaks.
    • Fan Xpert 2+ software for fan tuning and cooling management.

Specifications:

• Form Factor: MicroATX (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm).
• Chipset: Intel® B660 Chipset.
• Power Supply:
  • 24-pin ATX main connector.
  • 8-pin +12V power connector for CPU power.
• Expansion Slots:
  • 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 slot (CPU).
  • 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (B660 chipset, supports x4 and x1 modes).
• Storage:
  • 2 x M.2 slots (Key M): Supports PCIe 4.0 x4 and NVMe SSDs.
  • 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports.
  • Supports Intel® Rapid Storage Technology and Optane Memory.
• USB Ports:
  • Rear I/O: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4x USB 2.0 Type-A.
  • Internal headers: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers, 1x USB Type-C® header, 2x USB 2.0 headers.
• Audio:
  • Realtek ALC897 Codec (7.1 Channel High Definition Audio).
• Networking:
  • Intel® 1Gb Ethernet.
  • ASUS LANGuard for enhanced Ethernet protection.
• Graphics Outputs:
  • 1 x DisplayPort and 2 x HDMI 2.1 ports (supports 4K@60Hz).
• Cooling:
  • 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header, 1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header, 2 x 4-pin chassis fan headers.
• Special Features:
  • 5X Protection III: Enhanced VRM, DRAM overcurrent protection, ESD Guards, LANGuard, overvoltage protection, SafeSlot Core+.
  • ProCool connectors for stable power delivery.
  • Q-DIMM and Q-Slot for easy component installation.
  • AURA Sync for RGB lighting control.
• Software:
  • Armoury Crate, Fan Xpert 2+, TurboV EVO, AI Suite 3, Norton Antivirus (trial).
  • UEFI BIOS with EZ Flash 3 for BIOS management.
• Warranty: 3 years.

Back Panel I/O Ports:

• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
• 4 x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
• 1 x DisplayPort
• 2 x HDMI® ports
• 1 x Intel® 1Gb Ethernet port
• 3 x Audio jacks
• 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse combo port

Conclusion:

The ASUS Prime B660M-A DDR4 is an excellent motherboard for Intel’s 12th Gen Core processors, offering strong performance, comprehensive cooling, and robust connectivity options. It caters to users who want a high-performance, customizable, and future-proof system. With features like overclocking support, advanced cooling solutions, RGB customization, and intuitive BIOS options, this motherboard is well-suited for both DIY builders and users looking to optimize their productivity or gaming experiences.